Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 7, 2004
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gary Locke Emphasizes Need for Action in Response to Ocean Policy Report

OLYMPIA – June 7, 2004 – Gov. Gary Locke emphasized the need for concerted action to help protect oceans in his response to the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy’s (USCOP) preliminary report on how to improve ocean conditions. The governor issued his comments to the commission in writing June 4.

“While the Commission on Ocean Policy has devoted years to the production of this report, the hard work still lies ahead in implementing its recommendations,” Locke said. “The people of Washington appreciate this study, but are exasperated and concerned that we are stuck in a cycle of ‘report and no action.’ If we are to improve the condition of our oceans and the marine life within it, we must have clear goals, measured outcomes, and the political commitment to achieve success.”

The preliminary report was issued by USCOP on April 20. Only comments from governors are included in the final report. Locke hosted an open meeting on May 13 at the Seattle Aquarium to gather input from concerned citizens and environmental organizations. Many interested individuals also submitted comments to Locke via the mail and through his Web site.

Locke focused on three areas of concern that must be addressed to ensure the success of ocean policy:
· Any organizational structure for ocean policy governance must promote decisions based on sound science, include regional participation in decision-making, and ensure adequate funding. We must also acknowledge the valuable role that tribes have in the governance, science and management of our ocean resources and include the tribes on a government-to-government basis.
· It is not adequate for changes in fisheries management policies to merely stop the decline in marine species. These policies must contribute to reversing the trend of this decline. They must also enhance the overall sustainability of marine resources and evaluate the health of our oceans on an ecosystem scale.
· Our nation must regain its position of global leadership on ocean issues. And because maritime trade is a major economic activity in Washington, we must be mindful of the international competition that exists within this industry.

The governor’s response to the USCOP’s preliminary report can be viewed in its entirety at:
http://www.governor.wa.gov/ocean/index.htm.

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